Deluxe Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Seattle

I'm writing this, and editing my review and my rating due to my recent experience ordering to go food at Deluxe.

First off, I've been coming here since 2006, and love the nostalgia of this establishment. I've had endless good times and on the whole, the deluxe Bar and grill has done me very well over the past years.

I haven't ordered food to go from the deluxe during quarantine/the lockdown/pandemic. So it's been a while, and I get that some things are different after months and months.

I ordered a crispy chicken sandwich/burger with tots, the person that took my order said it would be ready in 15 minutes. And they were right on time! The person working at the bar handed me my food in a plastic bag. When I got back home to my apartment I opened up the plastic bag to find a STYROFOAM container with a non recyclable non-compostable condiment ramekin with a single serving of ketchup. I felt pretty guilty getting my food from a establishment that has been operating during appendic, solely on takeout orders, that are using non-environmental containers. Most small cafes and other struggling small businesses are being conscious of their packaging. I encourage the deluxe to do the same. (I know that restaurant supply stores have plenty of compostable take away containers in stock because I go to the restaurant supply stores on a regular basis for my job)

I opened the STYROFOAM container and thought that I had received the wrong order due to the size of the crispy chicken burger, meat portion. Bigger is not always better! It was impossible. It was as big as 2/3 of the styrofoam box when the burger bun was a standard if not smaller than a standard burger bun. I tried to handle the piece of fried chicken and to cut it in half, but as soon as I barely touched it all of the fried chicken part/batter, fell off of the chicken. The greens on the crispy chicken burger where wilted and turning and the tomato slice was slimy and only a sliver of tomato.

All in all, after my food fell apart into a to-go container that will outlive everyone who is reading this and their grandchildren the flavors of the food we're good. Please take into account our environment and serving food in an edible form.

The Deluxe seemed to be open, and operating at 25% capacity. The staff were all wearing masks while none of the customers were. Which I think is standard...

The Deluxe is, rightly, a local institution. It's a crossroads for the Cap Hill community but also a destination for those from further afield, and with good reason. A lovely ambience, shockingly good pub grub and, above all, a charming and knowledgeable staff that make you feel right at home. I can't go on enough about the staff; they make this place worth coming back to. I've brought my friends and polycule here many a time. Hangouts, dates, meetings. And the staff are always so kind, welcoming, and gracious. They get to know you and really take care of you.

But as to food recommendations, it's a little tricky because every time I think I've found something worth jumping up and down about, the menu changes, sometimes removing things without notice. For instance, I would've said that their happy hour fried chicken sandwich was one of the best deals in town at 11 dollars. A truly incredible, even life-changing sandwich with the biggest fried chicken patty you ever saw. When my loved ones and I would come back from martial arts, we'd celebrate with that sandwich. But, alas, it's gone.

There are some mainstays, like the buffalo wings and fish and chips, that remain quite good. But get 'em while they last, I suppose! I want to be able to recommend the Deluxe's deals; they're a destination in and of themselves. But, take your chances, maybe you'll find something you like! At least the staff will happily guide you through the menu. Above and beyond even the excellent food and drink (try a Vesper here), they're the reason I keep coming back. Still, RIP happy hour...

A frequent go-to of mine and a favorite spot!

The place itself is quite old, claiming to have been round since 1962. Nothing in the bar looks quite that old so it’s either been renovated or otherwise very well maintained. This isn’t a dirty dive bar with rotting, split wood or anything like that; it’s actually quite clean and really only the vibe itself gives away the bar’s age.

The food is pretty normal bar and grill stuff: burgers, fries, tots, sandwiches, salads, etc. The execution is really where it shines, though. I’ve had (I think) everything on the menu and I’ve never had anything bad. It’s very humble, “keep it simple stupid” fare that’s very unassuming which is why I like it. Sometimes all you want is some tasty classic American fare and DeLuxe offers exactly that.

The bar is pretty well stocked and the bartenders are generally very knowledgeable. There are a number of beers on tap, most of which rotate in and out with cans and bottles being pretty consistent. I’ve been both punished and rewarded for ordering something adventurous from the tap but there’s literally always been something on tap that I enjoyed. When all else fails, them in-house cocktail recipes are a safe bet (they’re DELICIOUS and the ingredients are on the menu).

The service has been consistently great; the staff are all super friendly and responsive.

Price-wise, it’s a pretty good value for the money considering the area; Broadway is a pretty popular drink-and-eat spot and DeLuxe is easier on the wallet than a lot of others.

Overall a 5/5 and I...